Sleep Apnea Treatment by Dr. Stanley Levenson in Worcester MA

Getting a good night's sleep is important. Restful sleep keeps you focused during the day; it leads to overall wellness, and can improve your mood and relationships. Patients who don't get enough sleep can suffer from problems with weight control, emotional well-being, headaches, and distracted thinking.

Unfortunately, as many patients know, sleeping well isn't always as easy as fluffing the pillow and turning off the light. Restless sleep or insomnia can happen for many reasons including stress, health issues, diet, or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea patients suffer with feeling unrested but often don't understand why they're not sleeping well. There are no stress factors to point to, a well check finds them healthy or without major issues, and they have a good diet. Often patients are left frustrated and don't understand why they wake up feeling like they've not slept at all.

What patients need to understand is that sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the patient to stop breathing while they sleep. The lack of breathing episodes can last 10 or more seconds and occur many times throughout the night. Patients may find that not only do they not sleep well, but they wake up with a dry throat or feel like they are gasping for air.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone of any age, race, or gender. However, it is most common in men who are over the age of 40 and who are overweight. Doctors encourage patients not to take sleep apnea lightly. Because oxygen is being restricted, patients who have sleep apnea can suffer from high blood pressure, stroke, or heart problems.

If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a physician, it's likely that you've been prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. However, patients often describe these machines, which include a mask or nose insert as cumbersome and uncomfortable. Many patients admit to leaving theirs on the nightstand or in a drawer instead of using them.

If this sounds familiar, you have another option. Working with a dentist like Dr. Stanley Levenson, you can instead use a small oral appliance that will shift your jaw forward and ensure the airway stays open while you sleep. The appliance is small, sort of like a sports mouth guard. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to travel with. The best treatment is one that fits your lifestyle. If a CPAP machine isn't working for you, call Dr. Levenson at Levenson Smile and find out if an oral appliance could be the end of your sleep apnea.

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